Maybe you've seen the A&E show Beyond Scared Straight, which dramatizes the practice of taking youth with behavioral issues and giving them a taste of how the path they're on can lead to prison life. The problem with sensational views of this type of treatment is that this and similar depictions never show you ... Read More
Mental Health Stigma in the Armed Forces
In 1944, General George S. Patton delivered a now-famous speech to the United States Third Army, a formation of largely inexperienced soldiers who were preparing for combat duty. In the speech, Patton said, "Each man must think not only of himself, but think of his buddy fighting alongside him. We don't want yellow ... Read More
Medical Marijuana for Pain – Fact vs Fiction
Chronic pain is a prevalent condition in the United States. A 2016 study estimated that nearly 66 million adults in the United States suffer from this condition. That's 20.4% of the population. So it's no wonder that opioid addiction has become a national emergency. At the same time, the use of medical marijuana for ... Read More
Can Suboxone Make Me Fail a Drug Test?
While it has been lauded as somewhat of a medication wonder for opioid and heroin addiction, Suboxone is also an addictive narcotic and must be taken only under close medical supervision. This reality can raise concerns if you're about to take an employer or prospective employer's drug test and are taking Suboxone. You ... Read More
How to Cope with PTSD from a Car Crash
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a condition that stems from witnessing or being the victim of a violent event or other traumatic experience. In the past, PTSD was not widely understood, but today, it's recognized that as much as 8 percent of the population in the United States is suffering from the ... Read More
Veteran Career and Educational Opportunities in the Mental Health Field
Coming home after discharge from military service in one of the six branches of the U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Space Force), some veterans may be at a loss to know what jobs and careers are available and a good fit with their experience. Often, vets choose to serve in ... Read More
How Circadian and Other Rhythms Impact Mental Health
Most people are familiar with the feeling: For one reason or another, you don't get enough sleep and for the rest of the day (or longer), you just feel off. A disruption in your body's natural rhythm is more than just a lack of sleep, but it can feel similar. It keeps you from getting the rest you need, and research ... Read More
Mental Health Diagnoses That Can Pose Risks of Suicide
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reports that 129 people commit suicide every day on average, and suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. While suicidal thoughts can come from a variety of situations and factors, one risk is a mental health diagnosis. Here's an overview of some of ... Read More